04/18/24
July 02, 2009
Lakers Get Artest: Shaq can have LeBron. Ron Artest says he'll take Kobe. Artest, whose versatility and toughness have made him one of the most coveted and combustible players in the NBA, told CBSSports.com Thursday that he's signing with the Lakers. "I'm definitely going to L.A. -- to sign, yeah," Artest said in a phone interview. "Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I'm in L.A. right now." CBSSports.com
posted by Ron_Karate to basketball at 07:53 PM - 10 comments
and the rich get richer . . .
posted by geekyguy at 02:41 AM on July 03, 2009
It's a good move for LA. As I understand it, nobody wanted Artest to be a Laker more than Kobe did. He's been pushing the Lakers to make a deal for years now, and it's finally done. He's probably tired of seeing Ron in his face constantly. Good shooter, the guy is tough as nails, and he's got a good relationship with Phil. Too bad they lose Ariza, but certainly any addition that makes them more physical is good. Odom probably gets a 1-yr. deal now and then goes back into the free-agent market next year. I wonder if they asked Artest for his ring size......
posted by eccsport78 at 04:52 AM on July 03, 2009
With it's tough, hard-edged courtside scene, LA will be a nice safe environment for Artest. If he wants to go into the stands to mix it up, he'll have to get past people like Hilary Duff, Meg Ryan and Richard Simmons first.
That's what you call a deterrent.
posted by beaverboard at 05:13 AM on July 03, 2009
Gave the Lakers little chance this year due to their lack of toughness and defence, but they managed to get by an over matched opponent in the final. Ariza's contribution was the key to their success, without him Vujasuck and Walton (pylon 1 and pylon 2) would have seen more minutes.
Artest is a little slower than Ariza, but better both offensively and defensively. Most of all, he's a warrior, and this is what LA has sorely lacked since the Shaq era.
posted by cixelsyd at 11:23 AM on July 03, 2009
Barring injuries, next year is officially over already. It least it feels that way.
posted by brainofdtrain at 12:14 AM on July 04, 2009
Barring injuries, next year is officially over already. It least it feels that way.
Really? 'Cause as far as I've seen, a few teams who were on the brink have improved since July 1st. That's in addition to injury, or in Artest's case, suspension.
It's pretty hard to lock up a championship on paper.
posted by dfleming at 11:41 AM on July 04, 2009
Barring injuries, next year is officially over already. It least it feels that way.
Well, that's kind of how it felt when the Lakers acquired Malone and Payton a few seasons ago, and that team didn't win a championship.
posted by Ufez Jones at 01:09 PM on July 04, 2009
Well, that's kind of how it felt when the Lakers acquired Malone and Payton a few seasons ago, and that team didn't win a championship.
I like the sound of Detroit Pistons, 2010 NBA Champions.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 02:08 PM on July 04, 2009
I like the sound of Detroit Pistons, 2010 NBA Champions
Dare to dream
posted by BornIcon at 01:46 PM on July 08, 2009
As a Lakers fan, this does not worry me. Artest can obviously be a bit wild, but Jackson will get the best out of him just like he did with Rodman.